The Xavier University Women's Center brings back the popular "1000 PeaceWomen" exhibit

The exhibit from July 13 through Oct. 24 advocates for a global women's peace movement | July 7, 2010

The Women's Center, at 1415 Dana Avenue.

The Xavier University Women’s Center is again hosting “1000 PeaceWomen,” an exhibit first shown in January 2008. The goal of the exhibit is to connect and strengthen women's peace efforts worldwide so that a strong, cross-sectoral and global women's peace movement can emerge.

The exhibit opens July 13 at the Women's Center, 1415 Dana Ave., across from the main campus. It is open to the public 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free, and large groups are encouraged to call ahead. The exhibit closes Oct. 24.

“1000 PeaceWomen” is an effort by PeaceWomen Across the Globe to make women’s roles as peace-builders more visible, more recognized and better supported globally. This work is important because, despite various international instruments to protect women's rights, women continue to be marginalized and excluded from decision-making, especially where there is violence and poverty, according to the PeaceWomen group. Women peace-builders must have greater influence in peace negotiations, policy development, peacekeeping operations and formal decision-making, not just because it is their civil and political right, but because their rich experience and holistic approach to peace is invaluable to securing a future that is sustainable and just for us all, the group says.

The women showcased in the exhibit challenge the narrow definition of peace as simply the absence of war. Effective peace-building is a long-term pursuit of justice and human security in economics, food, health, personal lives, the environment, community (cultural) and politics. The exhibit is a powerful educational tool to showcase the complexity of peace and women involved in peace movements. The stories resonate with individuals of all ages and across diverse groups.

The Xavier University Women’s Center provides advocacy and resources, advances learning and academic excellence, and promotes research focusing on women, girls and gender in an effort to unite people in centering women.